Marines ID sergeant, his 2 victims in Va. base shooting

Mar. 24, 2013
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Col. David Maxwell addresses the media. / USA TODAY

by John Bacon, USA TODAY

by John Bacon, USA TODAY

The tactics instructor who gunned down two corporals before turning the gun on himself at Virginia's Quantico Marine base last week has been identified as Eusebio Lopez, a much-decorated machine-gunner who had served in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lopez's victims included Lance Cpl. Sara Castromata, 19, of Oakley, Calif., a warehouse clerk, and Cpl. Jacob Wooley, 23, of Guntown, Miss., a field radio operator, the Marine Corps said. The three Marines were assigned to Quantico's Officer Candidates School when the shooting took place Thursday night.

All three were pronounced dead at the scene. The Corps did not release a motive for the shootings. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service was investigating the case.MORE: Marine kills 2, himself at base in Virginia

"We send our prayers and condolences to the families, fellow Marines and friends of the Marines who were lost in this tragic incident," said Col. David Maxwell, commander of Marine Corps Base Quantico. "Our priority is to take care of and support all of those who are affected by this loss."

Lopez's great-grandfather, also Eusebio Lopez, said the Marines contacted the family Friday night.

"They told us they were investigating more, and they'd let us know. He wasn't the type to do stuff like that," said Lopez, 81.

Lopez, 25, of Pacifica, Calif., joined the Marines in May 2006 and was promoted to sergeant in July 2011. His awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation 3rd award, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal 2nd award, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 4th award. He had deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Castromata joined the Marines in December 2011, and was promoted to corporal last month. Castromata's awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. She had not deployed overseas.

Wooley joined the Marine Corps in February 2010 and was promoted to corporal in July 2012. Wooley's awards include the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He had not deployed overseas.